The first impression you make on a potential employer is the most important one.
The first judgment an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing. That’s why it’s always important to dress professionally for a job interview, even if the work environment is casual.
The interviewer is sometimes more interested in how you respond than what you say, to observe how you react and how you think on your feet. Decide which of the following questions are likely to be asked of you in your situation. Then practice!
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How to Dress for an Interview
From: Alison Doyle's Your Guide to Job Searching
Men’s Attire
- Suit (solid color: navy or dark grey)
- Long sleeve shirt (white or coordinated with the suit)
- Belt
- Tie
- Dark socks, conservative leather shoes
- Little or no jewelry
- Neat, professional hairstyle
- Limit in aftershave
- Neatly trimmed nails
- Portfolio or briefcase
Women’s Attire
- Suit (navy, black or dark gray)
- The suit skirt should be long enough so you can sit down comfortably
- Coordinated blouse
- Conservative shoes
- Limited jewelry (no dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets)
- No facial piercings or tattoos
- Professional hairstyle
- Neutral pantyhose
- Light make-up and perfume
- Neatly manicured clean nails
- Portfolio or briefcase (no big purses)
What Not to Bring to the Interview
- Gum
- Cell Phone
- I-Pod
- Coffee or soda
- If you have lots of piercings, leave some of your rings at home(earrings only, is a good rule)
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Practice Questions
- What kind of job do you expect to hold five years from now? Ten years? Twenty years?
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- Why did you choose this company over our competitors?
- Why did you choose your particular field of work?
- What do you know about this company?
- Describe your perfect job.
- What qualifications do you have that make you feel you will be successful in
your field?
- What are your salary expectations?
- What determines a person’s progress in a good company?
- Do you prefer working with others or by yourself?
- Describe how you handle stress.
- How do you react to criticism?
- What interests you about our product/service?
- What is your major weakness? (What are three of your strong points?)
- Are you willing to go where the company sends you? Travel? Relocate?
- What kind of supervision gets the best results from you?
- What are your own special abilities?
- Do you object to working overtime?
- What is your philosophy of life?
- Do you have any objections to a psychological test or interview?
- What are the main elements needed to develop a team spirit?
- What are your career goals?
- What are the things that motivate you?
- In what ways will this company benefit from your services?
- If you were me, why would you hire you?
- How would you describe yourself as an employee?
Questions to Ask the Interviewer
Take the initiative to ask several questions.
- Where does this position fit into the organization?
- Please describe your ideal candidate for this job?
- Is this position new?
- What experience is ideally suited for this job?
- Was the last person promoted?
- To whom would I be reporting? Can you tell me a little about these people?
- What have been some of the best results you have received from people in this position?
- Who are the primary people I would be working with?
- What are your expectations for me?
- What kind of on-the-job training is allocated for this position?
- What is the normal pay range for this job?
- When will I hear from you about the outcome of this interview?
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